We should all be in on this secret
ACTOR David Harewood asked Why Is Covid Killing People Of Colour? on BBC1 on Tuesday and discovered some uncomfortable truths. With Indian people twice as likely to die from Covid than white people, and black people three times as likely, he asked: “What is driving this connection between my race and my health?”
He spoke to several experts to investigate theories, but the most shocking was the link to deprivation and racism.
The mother of a black woman who died in childbirth said her daughter wasn’t listened to.
“Racism and discrimination plays a major role in the health outcomes of black people,” said David.
A bleak picture of appalling inequalities in our healthcare.
REMEMBER when the greatest TV tension was watching Jeremy Kyle reveal the results of a DNA test to warring couples?
In those days, the tests only passed through the hands of medical professionals in white coats or the allhallowed Kyle research team.
We’ve come a long way since then. DNA Family Secrets on BBC2 on Tuesday saw Stacey Dooley tell us: “DNA doesn’t lie but are we ready for the truth?”
In true millennial style, Stacey and co just have to tap a few buttons to access a massive DNA database, thanks to some 25 million people worldwide doing a home test. It’s like Who Do You Think You Are? on speed.
Just spit, stick it in an envelope and send it off. Bob’s your uncle. Or maybe he isn’t.
It makes for gripping TV and it’s no surprise that the BBC wanted a show to rival ITV’S big-hitter, Long Lost Family. Although this is not just about reuniting long lost relatives – it also answers DNA questions about hereditary diseases.
Sliding into Davina Mccall’s role of tea, sympathy and a secret stash of old photos, Stacey honed her concerned lean-in.
Bill, 75, wanted to know what happened to his father, an African-american GI who returned to America after the war and was never heard from again.
Shock
The action cut to a scientist with a big syringe – just in case we weren’t sure what a scientist looked like.
This was top geneticist Turi King, who told Bill that his father already had a family back in America, but delivered the blow with wonderful empathy, assuring him he may have wanted to return, but interracial marriage was illegal.
Turi continued earning her money as she helped Richard, 53, who had recently discovered his dad wasn’t his biological father. In a slightly backwards decision, made purely for viewer shock factor, Richard met up with his potential halfbrother Brendan – who happened to be his doppelganger. “It’s like looking in the mirror!” said Brendan.
Just as we all shouted, “Of course they’re brothers!” Turi revealed they weren’t. Excuse me, what?
Elsewhere, Charlie wanted to find out if she had inherited Huntington’s disease from her dad. If she had the gene, then her toddler Cian could also have it.
“I feel so sick,” said Charlie as she awaited the results.
As she got her negative result I cried. As Bill met American relatives online, I cried. When a First Dates-style postscript revealed the bearded twins remained golf buddies, I cried again.
Emotional, with fascinating DNA facts, this format may be inherited but it’s certainly a winner.
INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day tomorrow aims to expose gender bias and inequality.
This year’s theme #Choosetochallenge seeks to highlight unfairness and celebrate women’s achievements.
The United Nations says a lack of female leaders in governments has meant more gender inequality during the pandemic.
Here, we look at some of the most inspirational women – from singers to scientists to politicians – who have made the world a better place in the past year...